IT’S NOT EASY BEING GREEN THESE DAYS
Bars, banquet halls cutting back on Irish fanfare; appointments being filled at some party places
Just like everything else, the coronavirus has altered the way people will — or won’t — celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on Wednesday.
Some banquet halls have cancelled events, some bars are moving forward with plans for a big bash, and still others plan to party by appointment.
One thing’s for sure: St. Patrick’s Day — traditionally one of the biggest drinking days of the year — is going to be quieter than it has in the past.
With coronavirus restrictions loosened and vaccinations surging, party places are still being cautious not to have crowds too close together and become a super spreader.
“I am happy people get to go out and enjoy their lives again,” said Frank Sgroi Jr., co-owner of Dooleys Irish Tavern on Gratiot in Roseville. “We have had to cut back this year — no bands or DJs, we’ll have music in the background. We have to abide by the rules for everyone’s safety.”
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ orders on gatherings, face masks and social distancing remains in effect through April 19. Under the orders, restaurants may operate at 50% of their capacity, up from 25% and close by 11 p.m. Outdoor gatherings can resume with up to 300 people.
Most revelers will be happy to get out for a bit, considering Gov. Gretchen Whitmer ordered a ban on dine-in services at all of Michigan’s bars and restaurants last March at the start of the pandemic.
For the Dooleys crowd, there will be a less of the fanfare that usually takes place, but Sgroi says he’s still planning have a fun festivity.
“What we’re doing is, we have many different areas open including the outdoor tent, inside the bar and a side patio, to keep at
tendance at 50%, but we’ve got an area where people can wait in line to get in and still get served,” he said.
The popular bar is pushing back its usual starting time by two hours and will open at 9 a.m. Visit Facebook.com.dooleys.roseville for more information.
Meanwhile over in Fraser, Vintage House Banquets & Catering on Utica Road has cancelled its annual bash for the second year in a row. The parties usually attract in excess of 2,500.
But owner Anthony Jekielek is pivoting to offer four days of having O’Hara’s Corned Beef sandwiches, dinners, bread bowls, cabbage and more at its drivethru 11 a.m.-7 p.m. MondayThursday.
“The problem we had last year, there was such a high demand for our food, there was a line of cars all the way the back to 13 Mile, all the way back to 14 Mile, so I decided to the extend the event over four days,” Jekielek said.
Visit facebook.com/VintageHouse586 for more information.
Other celebrations scheduled:
• You’ll have to make an appointment to party at Pat O’Brien’s Tavern on Jefferson in St. Clair Shores. The longtime Irish bar is allowing people in by reservation only in order to control capacity limits.
Each reservation is limited to 90 minutes and limited to six people. See facebook.com/PatObriensDetroit for details.
• Youngers Irish Tavern in Romeo is also going the reservation route to control capacity limits for an outdoor tent or the showroom with entertainment.
Live music by Paul & Oates 3-8 p.m. in the tent, Planet of Fun entertains in the showroom. Hours are 10 a.m.-10 p.m. To buy tickets and preorder a carryout visit youngersirishtavern. com SCS
• Three Blind Mice Irish Pub in downtown Mount Clemens will host a 15-hour bash starting at 7 a.m. in the outdoor heated tent. There will be beer, food and live entertainment by Bernadette Kathryn & The Lonely Days Band. No cover.
The Michigan Liquor Control Commission is reminding revelers to drink responsibly and its 19,000 liquor licensees to adhere to the state health department’s emergency orders.
Any licensed establishment found to be in violation of the MDHHS emergency order risks suspension or revocation of its license. All licensees must comply not only with the MDHHS orders, but also with local health department orders and local ordinances regarding reduced occupancy rates and social distancing protocols related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Licensees have increased responsibilities this year due to COVID-19, in addition to ensuring that they do not overserve patrons and serve only to those of legal drinking age,” said MLCC Chair Pat Gagliardi. “As bar and restaurant owners are rebounding from the year-long pandemic, their customers can best support them by adhering to emergency orders and celebrating responsibly. Drive sober, never drink and drive, and always have a plan for a safe ride home.”
Consumer tips for a safe St. Patrick’s Day:
• Designate a sober driver or have an alternate transportation plan before the party begins
• Never let a friend drive drunk. Arrange a safe way for them to get home
• Don’t ride in a vehicle with an intoxicated driver
• Always buckle up. It’s your best defense against drunk drivers.
• If you see a drunk driver on the road, call 911 to reach law enforcement.